I'm sure most of you on here know I'm always very positive whenever it comes to anything BFC and I always try to find a positive in every negative. I know its only 4 games into the season. Keith obviously fancies himself as a successful manager in the future as obviously he has over achieved in the past and has a great record. He obviously wants to do well here and sees this as a great opportunity for himself. I've been to the home games and I must admit, after going to the pre season games I went to the Southamption game maybe a little over confident so was disapointed and frustrated. The Middlesborough game added to my frustration. Probably it was a bit of an anti climax after pre season. I think what frustrated me most was how unorganised the team looked. It appeared that not one player knew his role. They all seemed very disorganised. Obviously as the negativity spread around the stadium it transferred to the players and they then played with fear, not wanting the ball. Maybe the team needed time to find their feet. I would say that the pre season games are what is behind all this negativity, false optimism etc but the team in pre season looked so organised and fluid yet in the league they looked the complete opposite. Like we had gone backwards. During both league home games I did not boo. I was as frustrated as hell. Angry, Disapointed and frustrated BUT I did not boo the team and did not shout abuse. I clapped the team as I always do. I’m not stupid, we’re a small club with limited expenses and I do not expect our club to be challenging in the top half of the table BUT I do expect effort and bravery from the players and what looks like an organised system of playing. I felt none of that was on show so that is what frustrated me personally. The problem is; it seems Keith Hill has taken the criticism that he has recevied by sections of the crowd very personally. Obviously we don’t hear some of the things that have been shouted to him from the stands. Judging by his post match interview (Reading) he was obviously very emotional. The final part of the interview where he spoke about his family proved this. The criticism had obviously rattled him. His family life has been effected and I am sure he is exhausted. The problem is, as a manager he needs to quickly learn how to cope with criticism. He will always face criticism. As does every manager. Ferguson, Wenger, Moyes, etc etc Criticism from fans these days is everywhere, right at the top down to the very bottom of the leagues. It seems it’s a part of football sadly. Keith seems to be really rattled by it though and he seems to be more interested in hitting back at the fans than he does in speaking about the actual game. I haven't booed or shouted abuse or criticised him online but I do feel as if I am being singled out by him. In both league home games, out of the few hundred or so that sit around me...I'd say only a handful shouted abuse and booed. Why can't Keith mention this instead of generalising "the supporters" as ALL of us? I'm sure Keith is a good manager. He certainly seems very sure of himself and confident in his ability. He also has an outstanding record. I want him to do well for us more than anything. I'd love him to be successful. I admit to being frustrated at the two home games and I believe that frustration is what is to blame for some of the fans negative reaction BUT I do not agree with Keith seemingly tarring us all with the same brush. The fans and Keith haven't got off on the best foot and I'd hate to see the 'relationship' between 'us and them' deteriorate anymore but I think its time we moved on from this and got back to suporting the team. I do believe though that the criticism in the stadium at the home games isn’t all that has bugged Keith, I believe its also a lot of the online comments. It is definitely obvious that he reads these forums. If that is the case then Keith, I personally want you to do well for us. The people that sit around me at the match do too. I’m sure we all do. Not all of us are negative and shout abuse and criticism. Those that do deserve what they get in return. I’m sure this week has been tough for you. A lot of negativity in a week where you welcomed your child into the world, a moment of total euphoria. I’m sure it has been draining but remember, we are behind you and want you to succeed but most importantly; OUR club to succeed and improve. Hopefully the Reading result will be the kickstart for us all to move on from this together. Paolo
Well said I was at the Southampton game and didn't boo either during the game or at the final whistle. I also tried on several occasions to get some singing going on the Ponty - all to no avail - in fact the only reaction I got was some people laughing at me as if I was some kind of mental case. All you Reds fans, stop the negativity, get behind the team and for f***s sake SING! Make it Fortress Oakwell again.
Cracking post Paul, you've put into words what my feelings are at the moment, it does feel like it's tuning into a bit of a us (management) against them (fans) situation at the moment and like you say I think we all got a little carried away with our preseason results but what we need now is a a united front, I would love nothing more than for Keith to come out with a few more positives regarding the fans and in return we all get behind our management team and get everybody united again,
Keith Hill said this week that he has had great support from the owner,board and the vast majority of the supporters.He also thanked the fans who had sent cards and presents on the birth of there daughter.
Re: Well said i did exactly the same pal and got the same reaction from my fellow 'fans' id like to sit where Paolo sits..
agreed, Posted something similar. of the 8-9000 BFC fans at Oakwell, I bet not even 1 hundred booed and shouted abuse, Yet he speaks like it was everyone.
He needs to stop attacking the fans then and focus on producing a winning team. If he had kept his mouth shut he wouldn't have a problem with the fans.
